News

Life on the Island: Water-themed events planned on estuary, at library

By Janet Levaux, Correspondent

Posted:
06/26/2013 04:30:18 PM PDT

Updated:
06/26/2013 04:30:18 PM PDT

Congratulations to the Oakland Yacht Club, which held "The Great Gatsby Gala," its centennial celebration last Saturday. Chef Kristopher Ott led the culinary efforts, while Don Neely's Royal Society Jazz Orchestra provided the musical entertainment.

That event got started just as the neighboring Encinal Yacht Club was winding down its more casual "Summer Sailstice." The event included a boat-building contest, estuary clean-up activities, small-boat racing around the Island, live music, a three-hour appearance of the America's Cup trophy and other fun activities -- both on and off the water.

An art show with the theme "Reflections on Water and Nature," featuring Alameda resident and fused-glass artist Sylvia Chesson, will be on exhibit in July at the Main Library. A reception for the artist and introductory program is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. on July 10.

Also on display at the Main Library over the next month are photos by Francesca Roccaforte.

Roccaforte is sharing photos of scenery like misty mountain peaks and winding curves of streams leading to the sea.

Advertisement

"Atmospheric mist and fog create a mood of contemplation as do the highlights and shadows of ripples of water," according to library staff, who have planned a reception for the photographer from 6 to 8 p.m. on July 8.

At 6:30 p.m. July 17, Asian Art Museum docent LauraBeth Nelson will speak about Japanese art owned by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, who also is the team owner of Oracle Team USA, the America's Cup defender. Nelson's talk will focus on the dynamics between Ellison's art selection and displays in traditional Japanese-style settings.

Meanwhile, Sweden's Artemis Racing, based at Alameda Point, says team owner Torbjörn Törnqvist came to the Bay Area in late June to work out, do some dive training and sail on an AC45. Artemis says Törnqvist made two visits to the team in June and helped the group with "notching a new speed record" on an AC45, as Team Artemis races against the clock to get its AC72 ready for competition.

"It has been great to be together with the team, and I am impressed with what they've been able to accomplish under such difficult circumstances," Torbjörn said in a statement. "There is clearly still a lot of work to do, but safety remains the central consideration."